After logging a productive 2021 in the Octagon, Belal Muhammad has now entered rarefied air at 170lbs – the welterweight’s top five rankings. Having called out rising two-weight star Khamzat Chimaev as well as a rematch against Leon Edwards after their short-notice date ended with an inadvertent eye poke in March, it feels like the 33-year-old will soon get his wish. Continue reading “After a productive 2021, Belal Muhammad seizing his chance in flimsy 170lb division”
Category: Specials
Johanna Konta’s retirement: Injuries don’t cloud her legacy as Britain’s tireless hope
Having announced her retirement on Dec. 1, Britain’s Johanna Konta – a three-time Major semi-finalist and former world no. 4 – was plagued by troublesome injuries and some streaky form, underselling the country’s greatest hope in the women’s game across the last decade and more. Here, I look back as the 30-year-old waved goodbye quietly before the new year. Continue reading “Johanna Konta’s retirement: Injuries don’t cloud her legacy as Britain’s tireless hope”
Ja Morant is right to feel hurt, but Memphis must show their star some love
Memphis Grizzlies’ franchise star Ja Morant returned from a 12-game absence on Monday, but the 22-year-old point guard was hurt by heckling home fans courtside who suggested he “sit back out,” en route to their 102-99 defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder – amidst a deep dive into whether they’re actually a more efficient unit without his ball-dominant tendencies. Continue reading “Ja Morant is right to feel hurt, but Memphis must show their star some love”
Sergio Aguero’s abrupt retirement, aged 33, is upsetting but tinged with relief
Less than six months into his Catalan adventure, Manchester City’s all-time top goalscorer wept during the announcement as he explained what we’ve known for a few weeks now: having to retire prematurely with a heart condition. But as we reflect on his greatest moments and angrily wonder what could’ve been, I’m relieved he’s okay at a time where nothing is certain. Continue reading “Sergio Aguero’s abrupt retirement, aged 33, is upsetting but tinged with relief”
Fury’s camp posturing over Whyte title defence shows why the best often hibernate
Needless posturing about a prospective title defence against domestic rival Dillian Whyte next year by co-promoters Bob Arum and Frank Warren surrounding Tyson Fury’s homecoming has only served to shine a light on why The Gypsy King’s resume remains flimsy at the highest level – as well as why the bulk of the world’s best often hibernate much longer than they should. Continue reading “Fury’s camp posturing over Whyte title defence shows why the best often hibernate”
Paolo Banchero, Duke and the all-important question still to be answered
Through four appearances to start the new season, Duke’s 6’10 power forward star Paolo Banchero is averaging 17 points on 62.5% shooting and 8.5 rebounds per game. Seeded ninth in the ACC, they are unbeaten (5-0) at the time of writing. But as they look towards an uncertain future in the months ahead, will their Seattle-born five-star recruit be allowed to flourish? Continue reading “Paolo Banchero, Duke and the all-important question still to be answered”
Anett Kontaveit astonished by top 10 rankings surge, but she really shouldn’t be
Having sown the seeds for her progression last year with new career-high Grand Slam finishes in Melbourne and Flushing Meadows, Estonian rising star Anett Kontaveit [9] is said to be in disbelief after surpassing Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur to officially qualify for next week’s WTA Finals – another career first as her resume continues to blossom. There’s no reason she should be. Continue reading “Anett Kontaveit astonished by top 10 rankings surge, but she really shouldn’t be”
Brazilian winger Antony comes of age, as Ajax annihilate dishevelled Dortmund
On a rough night where Borussia Dortmund’s wonderkid striker Erling Haaland missed a handful of big chances and hit the woodwork, Ajax’s ambitious young core exposed their visitors with ruthless abandon en route to a 4-0 win. Antony, an Olympic gold medallist with Brazil in Tokyo two months ago, showed why many of Europe’s elite are tracking his progress. Continue reading “Brazilian winger Antony comes of age, as Ajax annihilate dishevelled Dortmund”
Casey O’Neill’s patient progression stance is one more UFC prospects should follow
Across the promotion’s four female weight classes, only four fighters – including an impressive flyweight still in her debut UFC year – are unbeaten with 3-0 records or better. The conscious decision to reject their fast-track route attempts speak to the 24-year-old’s desire for more well-rounded growth with time, something many rising stars before her skipped to their detriment.
Continue reading “Casey O’Neill’s patient progression stance is one more UFC prospects should follow”
Tyson Fury defends WBC title with R11 KO vs. Deontay Wilder in crazy trilogy bout
In a trilogy bout with dramatic momentum shifts, Tyson Fury survived two fourth round knockdowns to defend his WBC strap, building up a plethora of sustained punishment before knocking out former champion Deontay Wilder with a looping right flattening him in R11. Continue reading “Tyson Fury defends WBC title with R11 KO vs. Deontay Wilder in crazy trilogy bout”
Punished for profligacy: Neal Maupay spoils Palace’s party with sucker punch strike
On a night where Conor Gallagher’s praises were sung, Wilfried Zaha capped his 400th appearance with a 70th Crystal Palace goal and the hosts revelled in halting Brighton’s brilliant start to the Premier League campaign, Neal Maupay pounced on a half-chance to expertly convert his fourth goal of the season deep into stoppage time to snatch a share of the points. Continue reading “Punished for profligacy: Neal Maupay spoils Palace’s party with sucker punch strike”
US Open 2021: Daniil Medvedev beats Novak Djokovic, wins first Grand Slam title
In his third Grand Slam final appearance, world no. 2 Daniil Medvedev produced a fantastic serving display and inpenetrable shot defence en route to blasting beyond a fatigued Novak Djokovic – clinching a maiden Grand Slam title, winning 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in two hours 15 minutes.
Continue reading “US Open 2021: Daniil Medvedev beats Novak Djokovic, wins first Grand Slam title”
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